The Hawks began the first half with real purpose and energy, creating their first opportunity within the opening six minutes. A brilliant through ball from Aston found Stanley in stride, he drove forward before picking out Seager. The striker took the shot on the first time, but his effort sailed narrowly over the bar.

The pressure continued from the home side, and Seager was again in the thick of the action. Kealy did well to hold the ball up and feed Seager in the box, only for the Bracknell goalkeeper to deny him with a strong save, keeping the score level.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Maloney delivered a pinpoint corner into the box, where George Milner-Smith rose highest to guide a powerful header home—his first goal in Hawks colours, and a deserved reward for the hosts’ early dominance.

Barely a minute later, the Hawks nearly doubled their lead. Maloney, full of confidence, drove into the area before laying it off to Pendlebury, whose shot unfortunately flew over the bar.

Around the half-hour mark, Maloney and Pendlebury combined brilliantly to win the ball back high up the pitch. They quickly fed Seager, who curled a low shot just inches wide of the post, with the Bracknell defence struggling to contain the relentless pressure.

The Hawks doubled their lead as Seager turned provider, sliding a clever ball into space for Stanley, who returned the favour with a sharp pass across goal. Seager finished the move he started, calmly slotting past the keeper to give the hosts breathing space going into the break.

There was still time for the Hawks to try and get another, a wave of attacks, sparked by Harvey Laidlaw’s burst down the flank, forced the Bracknell goalkeeper into multiple key saves to just about keep his side in the game.

HALF TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 2-0 BRACKNELL TOWN

The Hawks maintained control throughout the second half, continuing to press forward.  Stanley delivered a perfectly timed ball to Owusu, who skilfully outpaced his marker. Driving into the box, Owusu fired a low shot on target, but Bracknell’s goalkeeper, Michael Eacott, reacted swiftly to make a fine save.

The pressure from the Hawks continued, Maloney surged forward before linking up with Whittingham. He cleverly set up Pendlebury, who struck the ball cleanly. Once again, Eacott was up to the task, producing another impressive stop with a strong hand to deny the effort.

In added time at the end of the game, the Hawks finally got past Eacott with Ryan Seager scoring his second of the game to make it 3 for the home side.

A win and a clean sheet for the Hawks keeps the Hawks firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot, putting pressure on Dorchester Town with just two league matches left to play. Next up for the Hawks is an away trip to Gosport Borough on Easter Monday.

FULL TIME: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE 3-0 BRACKNELL TOWN

Havant and Waterlooville: Ferdinand (GK), Stanley, Austin, Seager (C), Maloney (Swann 84’), Kealy (Whittingham 68’), Pendlebury, Owusu (Tshaka 90+4), Milner-Smith (Willson 55’), Aston, Laidlaw

Unused Subs: Walker-Harris (GK)

Cautions: Milner-Smith 32’, Aston 75’

Goals: Milner-Smith 25’, Seager 39’, 90+3

Bracknell Town: Eacott (GK), Legg (Matton 49’), Burden, Herbert (C), Harrison, Esprit, Boorn, Roberts (Fashanu 88’) , Rollinson (George 55’), Howe, Tack (Coddington 75’)

Unused Subs: Morgan

Cautions: George 77’

Attendance: 965

Player of the Match: Harvey Laidlaw

Report By: Alex McNeice